In this next section of Scripture, Paul illustrates his theme of the cross by describing the Corinthians, themselves, and reminding them of what God has done. Let’s read about it, as Paul continues to discuss the wisdom and power of the cross:
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV
Question 1. What words are used to describe the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV?
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Paul reminded the Corinthians of their lowly estate when God called them to Christ. They were not influential or noble; no, they were "weak," "lowly," "despised," and nothing ("things that are not"). Their "foolishness" shamed the wise and learned, their "weakness" shamed the strong. God did this so that their salvation would bring Him glory and so that they could boast only in the Lord who rescued them, not in themselves.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Galatians 6:14 NIV
But do you see how Paul is using their original condition to illustrate the wisdom of the cross? Paul has not left his theme! On the cross, Jesus took the position of a foolish one, a sinful one, a weak one, that He might pay the price for our sins and save the world. His death that seemed so weak, lowly, so "foolish" was the means that God used to rescue us and keep us to the end.
Paul reminds the Corinthians again of the power of the cross to save, rescue, and deliver, even though, to the world, Jesus' death on the cross seemed "weak and foolish."
Paul reminds the Corinthians again of the power of the cross to save, rescue, and deliver, even though, to the world, Jesus' death on the cross seemed "weak and foolish." At the cross, God used “the things that are not” (Jesus is not a sinner) “to nullify the things that are” (your debt has been nullified, your sin has been canceled, your guilt has been neutralized).
Let’s do what Paul did, and consider these descriptive words of the Corinthians as a description of the cross.
Weak: Please read Matthew 27:27-31. As you read, note the beating Jesus endured; He was mocked, spit on, abused in every way, becoming so very weak! He became the epitome of weakness to look just like us. Jesus identified with us in every way, becoming weak for us, so that you and I would be forgiven and made strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10)! He did this out of deep love for you, to pay for your sin and remove every wrong.
Lowly: Please read Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus lowered Himself, becoming like us in all things. He made Himself to be lower than an ordinary servant, then He lowered Himself further and assumed the place of a criminal and endured torturous punishment. He kept lowering Himself further and further to the point of becoming sin. And why? To raise you and me higher and higher, to seat us with Him in heaven (Colossians 3:1-3) and make us heirs of the kingdom of God (2 Peter 1:10-11). What seems so foolish to the world is so powerful to us who believe.
Despised: Please read Isaiah 53:3. We see humanity despising and rejecting Jesus at the cross - mocking, cursing, hating, and denying Him. But why? Jesus was despised and rejected to assure that you would be loved and accepted eternally.
Paul highlighted the condition of the Corinthians when God called them, specifically to illustrate his point about the cross. The Corinthians were weak, lowly, foolish, and despised, and yet God called them and used them to shame the strong, high-minded, and worldly-wise people of the day. The Corinthians who seemed so weak and lowly knew God and had wisdom and power! Yes, this is the picture of the cross, that God used what was lowly and despised to save and bring wisdom and power to all who believe.
Question 2. How does this teaching help you, personally, live and grow in the gospel?
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